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Investigations have shown that storage bugs seriously harm grains during storage. In the interim, essential oils (EOs) have been proven to be a good botanical pesticide. The anti-Lasioderma serricorne properties of Elsholtzia ciliata essential oil, which was obtained by steam distillation, were evaluated using DL-limonene, carvone, and their two optical isomer components using contact, repelling, and fumigation techniques. Simultaneously, the fumigation, contact, and repellent activities of carvone and its two optical isomers mixed with DL-limonene against L. serruricorne were evaluated. The results showed that E. ciliata, its main components (R-carvone, DL-limonene), and S-carvone exhibited both fumigations (LC50 = 14.47, 4.42, 20.9 and 3.78 mg/L) and contact (LD50 = 7.31, 4.03, 28.62 and 5.63 µg/adult) activity against L.serricorne. A binary mixture (1:1) of R-carvone and DL-limonene displayed an obvious synergistic effect. A binary mixture (1:1) of carvone and its two optical isomers exhibited an obvious synergistic effect, too. Furthermore, the repellent activity of the EO, carvone, and its two optical isomers, DL-limonene, and a combination of them varied. To stop insect damage during storage, E. ciliata and its components can be utilized as bio-insecticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, considerable attention has been focused on the design and development of surfaces with defined or tunable properties for a wide range of applications and fields. To this end, self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of organic compounds offer a unique and straightforward route of modifying and engineering the surface properties of any substrate. Thus, alkane-based self-assembled monolayers constitute one of the most extensively studied organic thin-film nanomaterials, which have found wide applications in antifouling surfaces, the control of wettability or cell adhesion, sensors, optical devices, corrosion protection, and organic electronics, among many other applications, some of which have led to their technological transfer to industry. Nevertheless, recently, aromatic-based SAMs have gained importance as functional components, particularly in molecular electronics, bioelectronics, sensors, etc., due to their intrinsic electrical conductivity and optical properties, opening up new perspectives in these fields. However, some key issues affecting device performance still need to be resolved to ensure their full use and access to novel functionalities such as memory, sensors, or active layers in optoelectronic devices. In this context, we will present herein recent advances in π-conjugated systems-based self-assembled monolayers (e.g., push–pull chromophores) as active layers and their applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In China, the increasing concentration of ozone (O3) has emerged as a significant air pollution issue, leading to adverse effects on public health, particularly the respiratory system. Despite the progress made in managing air pollution in China, it is crucial to address the problem of environmental O3 pollution at present. Methods: The connection between O3 exposure and respiratory mortality in Shenyang, China, from 2014 to 2018 was analyzed by a time-series generalized additive regression model (GAM) with quasi-Poisson regression. Additionally, the potential combined effects of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and O3 were investigated using the synergy index (SI). Results: Our findings indicate that each 10 μg/m3 increase in O3 at lag 2 days was associated with a maximum relative risk (RR) of 1.0150 (95% CI: 1.0098–1.0202) for respiratory mortality in the total population. For individuals aged ≥55 years, unmarried individuals, those engaged in indoor occupations, and those with low educational attainment, each 10 μg/m3 increase in O3 at lag 07 days was linked to RR values of 1.0301 (95% CI: 1.0187–1.0417), 1.0437 (95% CI: 1.0266–1.0610), 1.0317 (95% CI: 1.0186–1.0450), and 1.0346 (95% CI: 1.0222–1.0471), respectively. Importantly, we discovered a synergistic effect of PM2.5 and O3, resulting in an SI of 2.372 on the occurrence of respiratory mortality. Conclusions: This study confirmed a positive association between O3 exposure and respiratory mortality. Furthermore, it highlighted the interaction between O3 and PM2.5 in exacerbating respiratory deaths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the radiation resistance of Yb-doped fiber lasers, we investigate the influence of pre-radiation and photo-bleaching on the gamma-radiated laser's performance. When the gamma radiation dose is within 10 krad(Si) with a radiation dose rate less than 0.4 rad(Si)/s, compared to the output power of a non-pre-radiated Yb-doped fiber laser, the pre-radiation technique could enhance the radiation resistance against gamma-ray. However, the mode instability threshold was decreased, which was caused by the cumulated radiation-induced attenuation of pre-radiation and radiation. Based on an electronic probe micro-analyzer, the Yb-doped active fiber was Yb-doped aluminophosphosilicate ternary fiber; therefore, the radiated defects were mainly hole-related defects. A laser diode centered at 532 nm was chosen as the photo-bleaching laser source, which could recover 45.2% of the radiated-induced attenuation and increase the mode instability threshold. This work demonstrates the influence of pre-radiation and photo-bleaching on the radiation resistance against the gamma-ray of Yb-doped fiber lasers, which are of significance in the design and fabrication of related fiber lasers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermochromic smart windows are optical devices that can regulate their optical properties actively in response to external temperature changes. Due to their simple structures and as they do not require other additional energy supply devices, they have great potential in building energy-saving. However, conventional thermochromic smart windows generally have problems with high response temperatures and low response rates. Owing to their great effect in photothermal conversion, photothermal materials are often used in smart windows to assist phase transition so that they can quickly achieve the dual regulation of light and heat at room temperature. Based on this, research progress on the phase transition of photothermal material-assisted thermochromic smart windows is summarized. In this paper, the phase transition mechanisms of several thermochromic materials (VO2, liquid crystals, and hydrogels) commonly used in the field of smart windows are introduced. Additionally, the applications of carbon-based nanomaterials, noble metal nanoparticles, and semiconductor (metal oxygen/sulfide) nanomaterials in thermochromic smart windows are summarized. The current challenges and solutions are further indicated and future research directions are also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: ZNF582-AS1 expression is lower in breast cancer compared to adjacent normal tissues, and low expression is associated with poor disease-free and overall survival. Bioinformatic interrogation of ZNF582-AS1 expression and methylation signatures suggests the lncRNA's involvement in cell cycle and cell death regulation. The lncRNA may act as a miR-940 sponge, and miR-940 is known to be an onco-miRNA suppressing PTEN. Elevation of transcription factor HIF-1 in cancer cells may repress the expression of ZNF582-AS1. Background: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in cellular activities and functions, but our understanding of their involvement in cancer is limited. Methods: TCGA data on RNA expression and DNA methylation were analyzed for lncRNAs' association with breast cancer survival, using the Cox proportional hazard regression model. Fresh tumor samples and clinical information from 361 breast cancer patients in our study were used to confirm the TCGA finding on ZNF582-AS1. A RT-qPCR method was developed to measure ZNF582-AS1 expression. Survival associations with ZNF582-AS1 were verified with a meta-analysis. In silico predictions of molecular targets and cellular functions of ZNF582-AS1 were performed based on its molecular signatures and nucleotide sequences. Results:ZNF582-AS1 expression was lower in breast tumors than adjacent normal tissues. Low ZNF582-AS1 was associated with high-grade or ER-negative tumors. Patients with high ZNF582-AS1 had a lower risk of relapse and death. These survival associations were confirmed in a meta-analysis and remained significant after adjustment for tumor grade, disease stage, patient age, and hormone receptor status. Correlation analysis indicated the possible suppression of ZNF582-AS1 expression by promoter methylation. Bioinformatics interrogation of molecular signatures suggested that ZNF582-AS1 could suppress tumor cell proliferation via downregulating the HER2-mediated signaling pathway. Analysis of online data also suggested that HIF-1-related transcription factors could suppress ZNF582-AS1 expression, and the lncRNA might bind to hsa-miR-940, a known oncogenic miRNA in breast cancer. Conclusions: ZNF582-AS1 may play a role in suppressing breast cancer progression. Elucidating the lncRNA's function and regulation may improve our understanding of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The disabled glue on valve surfaces is known to reduce aircraft durability and performance. In this paper, glue contaminants were removed from 2Cr13 stainless valves by dry-type laser processing with a cold air gun and compared with the chemical soaking method. The laser-processed surface was examined by white-light interferometer, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometer, hardness tester, and metallographic microscopy. The substrate surface became a little smoother but also had deeper dips due to laser thermal melting. After laser degumming, the new constituent was found in the laser-irradiated region and analyzed as FeCr0.29Ni0.16C0.06, since the ratio of chemical compositions changed. Based on our simulation and experiments, the temperature of the workpiece was effectively controlled by the cold air gun, and its physical properties, including hardness and metallographic structure, were hardly changed. It was shown that laser degumming provides an alternative method for metal valve cleaning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vibration was adopted to enhance the interface bonding of Mg–Al bimetal prepared by the lost foam compound casting (LFCC) technique. The Mg–Al bimetallic interface was composed of three layers: layer I (Al3Mg2 and Mg2Si phases), layer II (Al12Mg17 and Mg2Si phases), and layer III (Al12Mg17 + δ-Mg eutectic structure). With the increase in vibration acceleration, the cooling rate of the Mg–Al bimetal increased, resulting in the decrease in the reaction duration that generates the intermetallic compounds (IMCs) layer (including layers I and II) and its thickness. On the other hand, the Mg2Si phase in the IMCs layer was refined, and its distribution became more uniform with the increase in the vibration acceleration. Finally, the shear strength of the Mg–Al bimetal continued to increase to 45.1 MPa when the vibration acceleration increased to 0.9, which was 40% higher than that of the Mg–Al bimetal without vibration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, laser surface treatment of Al alloy was studied by comparison of sandblasting and laser ablation. The effects of laser spot distribution on surface roughness, contact angle, chemical composition and shear strength of Al alloy were analyzed. The experimental results showed that the bonding performance of Al alloy are promoted by controlling the laser spot spacing. When laser spot spacing was smaller than the size of the laser spot, micro–nano composite structures were induced by multiple laser pulses, which would improve shear strength by increasing the contact area between Al alloy and adhesive. Using laser surface treatment, the adhesion properties on Al alloy can be promoted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Storage pests pose a great threat to global food security. Here, we found that the essential oil (EO) extracted from E. densa possesses obvious effects against the insects that threaten stored-products. In this work, we investigated the chemical constituents of the essential oil extracted from Elsholtzia densa, and their insecticidal (contact and fumigant) toxicity against Tribolium castaneum and Lasioderma serricorne. A total of 45 compounds were identified by GC-MS, accounting for 98.74% of the total EO. Meanwhile, 11 compounds were isolated from the EO, including limonene, β-caryophyllene, ρ-cymene, trans-phytol, α-terpineol, linalool, acetophenone, 1,8-cineole, ρ-cymen-7-ol, 1-O-cerotoylgly-cerol, and palmitic acid. Furthermore, acetophenone, ρ-cymen-7-ol, and 1-O-cerotoylgly-cerol were isolated for the first time from Elsholtzia spp. The results of the bioassays indicated that the EO had the property of insecticidal toxicity against T. castaneum and L. serricorne. All of the compounds showed different levels of insecticidal toxicity against the two species of insects. Among them, 2-ethyl-1H-imidazole had no insecticidal toxicity against T. castaneum, but possessed fumigant and obvious contact toxicity against L. serricorne. ρ-Cymen-7-ol had beneficial insecticidal toxicity against the two species of insects, and fumigant toxicity against L. serricorne. ρ-Cymen-7-ol (LD50 = 13.30 μg/adult), 1-octen-3-ol (LD50 = 13.52 μg/adult), and 3-octanol (LD50 = 17.45 μg/adult) showed significant contact toxicity against T. castaneum. Acetophenone (LD50 = 7.07 μg/adult) and ρ-cymen-7-ol (LD50 = 8.42 μg/adult) showed strong contact toxicity against L. serricorne. ρ-Cymene (LC50 = 10.91 mg/L air) and ρ-cymen-7-ol (LC50 = 10.47 mg/L air) showed powerful fumigant toxicity to T. castaneum. Limonene (LC50 = 5.56 mg/L air), acetophenone (LC50 = 5.47 mg/L air), and 3-octanol (LC50 = 5.05 mg/L air) showed obvious fumigant toxicity against L. serricorne. In addition, the EO and its chemical compounds possessed different levels of repellent activity. This work provides some evidence of the value of exploring these materials for insecticidal activity, for human health purposes. We suggest that the EO extracted from E. densa may have the potential to be developed as an insecticidal agent against stored product insect pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium niobate (LiNbO3) has become popular with applications in electronics and communication industries due to its excellent electro-optical and nonlinear properties. This paper presents the influence of laser power, repetition frequency, number of subpulses, depth of each pass, and scanning velocity in picosecond laser dicing on multiple characteristics of LiNbO3 using the Taguchi method. By means of analysis of variance and analysis of relations between the characteristics, the optimal ps-laser-dicing parameter is obtained with good quality and high efficiency, which is applied to LiNbO3 products. The result indicates that picosecond laser dicing provides an alternative to machine thick LiNbO3 wafers with narrow kerf width, micro chipping, smooth surface, and high productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium niobate (LiNbO 3 ) has become popular with applications in electronics and communication industries due to its excellent electro-optical and nonlinear properties. This paper presents the influence of laser power, repetition frequency, number of subpulses, depth of each pass, and scanning velocity in picosecond laser dicing on multiple characteristics of LiNbO 3 using the Taguchi method. By means of analysis of variance and analysis of relations between the characteristics, the optimal ps-laser-dicing parameter is obtained with good quality and high efficiency, which is applied to LiNbO 3 products. The result indicates that picosecond laser dicing provides an alternative to machine thick LiNbO 3 wafers with narrow kerf width, micro chipping, smooth surface, and high productivity.